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Three Bridges Over the Cape Cod Canal

The three bridges leading to the Cape over the Cape Cod Canal are the Sagamore, Bourne, and railroad bridges. All were built in the mid-thirties, during depression days.

The Bourne bridge is 2,684 feet, or about half a mile, in length, whereas the Sagamore bridge is 1,408 feet, or about a third of a mile, in length. Both bridges have a 40-foot roadway, with a clearance of 134 feet above the water. The center spans of both are 616 feet long, with arches rising 274 feet above the water. Both bridges have a six-foot sidewalk for pedestrians with a wicked curbing on the edge of the roadway. (check out the tire marks next time you cross)

The railroad bridge at Buzzards Bay: At the time of its construction it was the world’s longest lift bridge and today is the second longest. The towers supporting this movable span are 265 feet high. The span itself is 544 feet long. The total length of structure is 942 feet. Read more about Cape Cod’s railroads.

You may want to read our traffic reports and car travel tips for ways to avoid traffic congestion at the bridges which are the major traffic choke points when coming or going from Cape Cod..

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Posted by Cape Cod - (website) on 01/26/06
Categories: Getting Around
Keywords: cape cod canal, bridge, Bourne bridge, Sagamore bridge, railroad bridge